Shocker Pathway FAQs

The Shocker Pathway is a partnership between WSU Tech and Wichita State University (WSU) that allows students to begin their studies at WSU Tech and earn 50 credit hours that will transfer to WSU. With an additional 15 credit hours at WSU, students will be awarded an Associate of Arts degree. Shocker Pathway students have the option to continue at WSU for bachelor’s degree completion.

What is an Associate of Arts (AA) degree?

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is awarded to students who meet the requirements of the Shocker Pathway course of study. Graduates will enjoy the prestige of a WSU degree after taking classes taught in Wichita at both WSU Tech and WSU.

What is the difference between an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and an Associate of Art (AA) degree?

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is typically offered at community or technical colleges. This type of degree is designed for students to directly enter the workforce after graduation, and typically involves a specific trade or skill. Students completing an AAS degree will focus on a particular skill or trade (i.e. Welding, Police Science, Surgical Technology, etc.) paired with a few general education courses.

In contrast an Associate of Arts (AA) degree focuses more on general education requirements. Students pursuing this type of degree are usually looking to continue with their formal education after completion of the AA or are wanting to further develop their soft skills (such as communication and problem solving, etc.) to enter the job market. AA degrees are a great stepping stone into a four year program and allow students the ability to complete their first two years of college at a much reduced cost.

All classes are taught either in Wichita or online. The first 50 credit hours from WSU Tech will be taken at one of WSU Tech’s Wichita campuses or online, if available. The remaining 15 credit hours from WSU will be taken on WSU’s campus or online, if available.

Do I have to apply to both WSU Tech and WSU?

No. Students apply to the Shocker Pathway program through WSU Tech at wsutech.edu/apply. Students will be pre-admitted to WSU using this application. Admission to WSU will be finalized upon presentation of a transfer transcript demonstrating a required transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Is there a cost to apply?

No. There is no cost to apply to WSU Tech and WSU will waive its admission application fee. The cost to transfer transcripts will be waived by WSU Tech. Click here to apply now.

What are the admission requirements?

ACT test scores are not required. If you have an ACT score, you may be exempt from the COMPASS placement test. If no ACT scores are on file or the minimum score is not met, you must take the COMPASS placement test. More information can be found at wsutech.edu/testing.

Will I have an advisor at both schools?

Yes. The student will receive academic advisoring from WSU Tech as well as dual advising from the WSU Office of Adult Learning in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

What if I have college credits from another institution?

Depending on the college’s accreditation, credits earned elsewhere may count toward your degree. Please have your transcripts sent to WSU Tech’s Office of the Registrar for evaluation.

Can I use financial aid?

Yes. Financial aid may be used and students are encouraged to apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

For more information about how to get started, contact:

admissions@wsutech.edu

There is a growing list of courses approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for guaranteed transfer among all Kansas public postsecondary institutions. Visit kansasregents.org/transfer_articulation for more information.

WSU Tech will be closed and classes will be canceled Wednesday, Dec. 5 in observance of the National Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush.

Weather update: All classes are canceled and college offices will be closed Thursday, Feb. 7. For events at the college, contact the event organizer for more information. WSU Tech will resume its normal schedule on Friday, Feb. 8.